I have a confession to make: I’ve never watched Vanderpump Rules. (Shock, horror, I know.) But Katie Maloney and I met when I was a guest on her podcast (listen here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/youre-gonna-love-me-with-katie-maloney/id1516710301?i=1000559075815) and hit it off right away. Then, I started seeing endless stories about her divorce from longtime partner (and fellow OG cast member) Tom Schwartz, and interviewers asking her the same invasive, insensitive questions over and over, and I knew I had to get her into my studio to do things VERY differently. 

I promised to only ask Katie about things that most people don’t. So, we went deep on: 

-her unorthodox journey from waitress to TV personality (and being a waitress ON TV)

-spending over 10 YEARS growing up in front of a camera 

-the emotional sacrifices- and damage - of becoming famous for your personal life

-how personalities can be manipulated by editors and producers 

-Hollywood fame vs reality TV fame

-personal safety in the age of social media surveillance

-reinvention and staying relevant 

-internet bullying and the fraudulence of ‘body positivity’ online

A piece of wisdom from Katie: “There’s some people who are like, “I’ve never liked her.” But that’s just because you have terrible taste. If you don’t like me, there’s something wrong with you.”

GOT A SECRET TO GET OFF YOUR CHEST? Email [email protected]. Degenerate MERCH is available for purchase on my Instagram - DM me. Tales of Taboo is part of the Eve Podcast Network and a Forever Dog Production. Cover photos by Erika Flynn.

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